Cost & earnings at Indiana University Bloomington What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
The Bachelor’s in Statistics with a Biostatistics focus at Indiana University Bloomington trains students to apply statistical methods to biological, medical and public‑health problems. It suits students who enjoy quantitative reasoning, computing and working with real-world health data, and who may be aiming for careers in clinical research, public health or graduate study in biostatistics.
The programme combines core statistical theory and methods with specialised courses addressing biological and medical applications. Early courses build a foundation in calculus, probability and introductory statistics, followed by intermediate and advanced topics such as mathematical statistics, linear models and regression, and statistical computing. From there students select biostatistics‑oriented modules covering subjects like survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis, clinical trials methods, epidemiology and statistical genetics or bioinformatics.
Hands‑on computing is emphasised throughout: students learn statistical programming in R and Python, data management, reproducible research practices, and the use of software common in clinical research and regulatory settings. The curriculum typically includes a capstone experience — a practicum, internship or undergraduate research project — where students analyse real biomedical datasets and communicate results to non‑technical audiences.
Admission to the bachelor’s degree requires a high school completion or equivalent and a strong preparation in mathematics. Applicants should have studied calculus (or equivalent) and have good quantitative grades; background work in biology or chemistry is helpful for students aiming at biostatistics. The admissions process typically considers academic record, personal statement and letters of recommendation.
Indiana University also expects applicants to meet its general undergraduate admissions standards. International applicants must satisfy the university’s English proficiency requirements and present comparable secondary school qualifications. Once enrolled, progression into higher‑level statistics and biostatistics courses may require passing specific prerequisite courses with satisfactory grades.
Graduates are prepared for roles that require statistical thinking applied to health and life sciences. Common entry roles include biostatistician or statistical analyst in pharmaceutical and biotech companies, clinical research organisations, hospitals and public‑health agencies; statistical programmer supporting clinical trials; and data analyst positions in healthcare systems and non‑profit research organisations.
Many graduates also pursue further study — professional masters or PhD programmes in biostatistics, statistics, epidemiology, public health or related fields — which lead to research, academic and senior industry roles. The combination of statistical training and applied experience makes alumni attractive to employers concerned with evidence from biomedical studies, observational health data and regulatory submissions.
Indiana University Bloomington offers a strong environment for studying biostatistics through its established statistics programme combined with close links to public‑health and biomedical research on campus. Students benefit from access to faculty actively engaged in applied research, opportunities for undergraduate research, and collaborations across departments that study epidemiology, genetics and clinical science.
The campus supports hands‑on learning with computing facilities, statistical consulting experiences and connections to internships in health systems and industry in the region. Career services and an active alumni network help students transition into employment or graduate study, while a campus culture that values interdisciplinary work makes it straightforward to combine statistics training with coursework in biology, informatics or public health.
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